Today's automotive world is witnessing transformation at a breathtaking pace.

In GM North America (GMNA) and GM Africa & Middle East Operations (GM-MEO), the pace of sweeping change becomes faster and more intense each year. Our ability to anticipate new challenges and our commitment to innovation remain our passion. Our team is dedicated to driving for greatness—to lead and not follow—and to be fully accountable and respect our world and our environment.

Our team is dedicated to driving for greatness–to lead and not follow–and to be fully accountable and respect our world and our environment.

Our sales and earnings results in 2017 helped set the foundation for long-term success. GMNA sold more than 3.5 million vehicles, including record sales of crossovers and pickups. This helped the company earn record average transaction prices in the U.S., according to J.D. Power PIN estimates. North America also delivered an EBIT-adjusted margin of 10.7 percent, our third straight year above 10 percent.

Several other business results over the past 12 months have truly reinforced our leadership position:

We continued reducing sales to daily rental fleets, focusing instead on retail customers, and we lowered U.S. inventories to align supply with demand, helping to save costs.

GM has delivered four consecutive years of pickup sales leadership of mid- and large-size trucks through 2017.

We took the spotlight in the fast-growing crossover market, with the introductions of the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox and Traverse, Buick Enclave and GMC Terrain; then, we introduced the new definition of crossover luxury with the unveiling of the Cadillac XT4 in March of 2018.

Chevrolet remained the most awarded and fastest-growing brand for the fourth straight year. We expect that trend to continue as we introduce the all-new 2019 Silverado pickup and redefine the face of Chevrolet cars later this year.

Chevrolet was named J.D. Power’s most awarded brand of 2017. Six different Chevrolet cars, trucks and SUVs won nine awards in J.D. Power’s 2017 Vehicle Dependability, Initial Quality and APEAL Studies.

Chevrolet also delivered a third straight year of retail market share growth, gaining a full share point since 2014. This is the brand’s first “three-peat” since 1990.

IHS Markit recognized GM for the highest overall customer loyalty for the third consecutive year.

Buick introduced its new Avenir premium luxury brand for both Enclave and LaCrosse models, giving customers unique styling cues, an extensive set of standard features and exclusive premium materials.

In March of 2018, GMC debuted the all-new Sierra full-size pickup. The truck will arrive at showrooms later this year, bringing a new standard to premium pickups.

2018 Chevrolet Volt.

The growing popularity of trucks and SUVs in the Middle East contributed to a strong sales performance in that region as well. GMC sales in MEO were up by 26 percent at the end of 2017 versus 2016, with Sierra, Terrain, Yukon and Yukon XL sales all showing solid momentum. That trend should continue with the arrival of the new 2018 Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac XT5 into the region.

Looking ahead, we know that the pace of change will continue to accelerate. GMNA and GM-MEO are preparing for a winning future by putting the customer first, giving them the transportation choices they want while reducing the environmental impact of our vehicles and facilities.

For example, GM remains the leader in electrification and autonomous driving—technologies that lead to a more sustainable future. Chevrolet Bolt EV and Volt are the sales leaders in affordable, long-range EVs, with more than 43,000 models delivered in 2017.

And the advanced driver assistance system features found in vehicles like Super Cruise in Cadillac CT6, as well as safety features in our other vehicles across the GM product lineup, are all part of our mission to attain zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion.

Team GM Cares offered hands-on assistance after the 2017 hurricanes in Texas and Puerto Rico.

Here are several more examples of the progress we are making in sustainability and community support:

For the third straight year, GM ranks on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for automotive leadership. DJSI is the leading global benchmark for corporate sustainability, and we remain the only automaker on the North American index.

As part of an ongoing commitment to operate with clean energy, General Motors is buying a total of 200 megawatts of wind energy from Ohio and Illinois wind farms. Once the turbines come online by the end of 2018, renewable energy will power 20 percent of GM’s global electricity use.

All of Ohio and Indiana’s GM manufacturing facilities will meet their electricity needs with 100 percent renewable energy by the end of 2018.

GM has expanded our industry-leading landfill-free program. All of the company’s manufacturing plants in Canada and Mexico now recycle, reuse or convert to energy all waste from daily operations. With the addition of 27 newly certified facilities, General Motors has 142 manufacturing and nonmanufacturing landfill-free facilities globally—more than any other automaker.

After the recent devastating hurricanes in Texas and Puerto Rico, GM employees and our teamGM Cares initiative mobilized to help the affected communities with donations of critical supplies and hands-on assistance to rebuild homes and businesses.

GM continues to be the No. 1 automotive user of solar energy in the U.S., according to a report by the Solar Energy Industries Association.

GM received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year—Sustained Excellence award for the seventh year for its continuous leadership in protecting the environment through energy efficiency. The award is the highest honor an organization can receive from the EPA for energy management.

Our efforts are definitely global—and tailored to each region locally. For example, at the Future Mobility Conference in Dubai late last year, GM reviewed plans for developing and introducing smart, clean and connected transportation in the Middle East. We support the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for 25 percent of all trips to be smart and driverless by the year 2030.

At GMNA and GM-MEO, we continue to focus on sustainability in every aspect of our business to drive efficiencies, fight climate change, nurture our environment and save money. And we will seek out even more innovative ways to operate a sustainable, caring business of which our customers, employees, partners and communities can be proud.